The Leader said:

As we have a somewhat packed agenda this evening I don’t intend to engage in extensive discourse in my Leaders statement. I would like to commence this evening by offering not for the first time a sincere public apology to all of our residents that have suffered a less than acceptable level of service during the commencement of our new waste and refuse contract. Frankly there have been far more issues with it than any of us could have reasonably anticipated and it is our intention to ensure that we put it right. We are, and always have been fully committed to ensuring that the contract is the subject of thorough scrutiny to examine why we have experienced the difficulties that we have and to clearly identify lessons that are to be learned. I would also like to take the opportunity to apologise to each and everyone of you as members who have been the front face at such a challenging time.It would also be remiss of me not to pay tribute to our officers who have in a number of cases worked around the clock to resolve the issues, working way in excess of their contractual hours and responding to queries on their days off.

Moving on, since we last met there has of course been a small matter of a General Election and significant political changes both Nationally, in the County and locally here in Swale. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our newest Swale MP Kevin McKenna who of course was elected to the seat for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, a seat previously occupied for what seems to have been forever by Gordon Henderson and I wish Gordon well in his retirement in whatever form that takes for him. My congratulations also go to returning MP for Faversham and Mid-Kent Helen Whately and I look forward to working with Kevin and Helen for the good of all Swale residents.

On a personal note I remember standing here almost exactly a year ago and stating that it was with a heavy heart that I would be commencing my Leaders statement on that occasion. At that time I recall saying that I sincerely hoped that I never again would have to stand before you all on an occasion where it befalls me to offer reflections on the passing of a serving Councillor. However, that was not to be and I had the sad duty, but undoubted privilege of attending the funeral of Councillor Mike Henderson in June who as you have heard earlier sadly passed away on 29 May 2024. Mike has given selfless and unwavering service to the residents of Faversham for many years and literally worked to the end which bears testimony to his commitment. It is fair to say that Mike was a unique character and all of you will have your own reflections and anecdotes to share, I am sure. Suffice to say his input in this chamber will be sorely missed, particularly his forensic analysis of every document issued by this Council and he will have undoubtedly left a huge hole in his party’s team. I am indebted to Councillor Perkin for her moving tribute and to Leaders and members of all of the groups for their kind words and like expressions of condolence this evening. I have said so many times this clearly demonstrates that in this chamber people transcend politics at the most difficult of times.

Moving on there were echoes of Mike’s commitment to public service as Swale’s unsung heroes were recognised and celebrated at this year’s annual Civic Award ceremony. Every year Swale Borough Council asks the public to nominate residents who have worked tirelessly to improve their communities, with the mayor and a judging panel having the unenviable task of selecting the winners from so many deserving nominations. The heartening thing about the awards was that all areas of the Borough had worthy nominations and I would like to congratulate all nominees whether receiving awards or not, they were all winners in my eyes. There was however one notable recipient that I would like to highlight, that being Mr Paul Murray MBE who received the Lifetime Achievement award for tireless commitment to all things Sheppey and lifelong commitment to helping others. Paul was quite clearly a popular choice and received an enduring standing ovation. 

Finally as summer is upon us and our heads turn towards holiday time there are some excellent opportunities for healthy activities in Swale and as we look to enjoy the sunshine and leisure time it is with great pride that I am able to announce that once again we have been awarded blue flag status for beaches on the Isle of Sheppey. We have also teamed up with Peel Ports, HM Coastguard and others to form the Swale Personal Watercraft Partnership to address issues of irresponsible and dangerous use of Jet Ski’s. In closing, I wish you, your families and all of our residents a great summertime, however you choose to spend it, but please remember whatever you do, do it safely and considerately but most of all enjoyably too”

In response, the Leader of the Conservative Group wished the new MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey well, and looked forward to working constructively with him in the future, for the benefit of the borough. He referred to the disappointing turnout for the General Election. He congratulated Paul Murray and acknowledged the blue flag awards. The Leader of the Conservative Group thanked officers for resolving the issues with Facebook links on the Council’s website.

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group thanked the Leader for his apology in respect of the waste contract. He shared concerns over the poor turnout for the recent General Election. The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group congratulated Mike Martin on being elected as MP for Tunbridge Wells.  He thanked Councillor Sarah Stephen for being included in the judging panel for the Civic Awards and congratulated all winners. Finally, he drew attention to the green flag status awarded to several parks including Oare Gunpowder Works and Faversham Recreation Ground.

The Leader of the Swale Independents Alliance (SIA) shared his concern at the low turn out for the General Election and the steady decline in numbers over the years and he said the Council needed to look at how voter engagement could be improved, suggesting input from the Local Government Association.

Referring to the blue flag award, a Member highlighted an incident on Minster beach that day in which three young people saved the life of a member of the public who had got into difficulty. She congratulated them and said she was very proud of the three young people.

A Member asked the Leader to write to the Secretary of State seeking confirmation of when the National Planning Policy Framework paper would be considered so that the Council could push forward with the Local Plan.

A Member acknowledged the work that Paul Murray MBE did for the Isle of Sheppey.

Referring to the Waste Contract, a Member highlighted there had been issues with the previous waste contractor, including when the contract was first awarded to them.

In response, the Leader acknowledged all comments. He advised that the Chief Executive would be discussing the issue of voter engagement with the LGA.  The Leader added that mock elections were held in some schools, and it was everyone’s responsibility to encourage youngsters to be interested in politics from an early age.  The Leader agreed that the previous waste contractor had also been the subject of complaints of missed bin collections in the past, and he gave examples of this.